The Confederation of African Football has officially unveiled the quarter-final fixtures for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, setting up a series of high-stakes encounters that promise intensity, history, and continental pride.
The draw ceremony took place in Cairo on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of the group stage. Eight of Africa’s strongest clubs learned their paths to the semi-finals in what is the 62nd edition of the continent’s premier club competition.
Among the headline fixtures, Al Hilal SC currently hosting its home matches in Rwanda has been drawn against Moroccan powerhouse RS Berkane. The pairing has already sparked excitement in Kigali, where Al Hilal has built a growing fan base during its temporary relocation.
Al Hilal’s Rwandan Chapter Continues
Al Hilal’s presence in Rwanda has become one of the tournament’s most compelling narratives this season. Due to security and logistical challenges in Sudan, the club shifted its home fixtures to Kigali, turning the Rwandan capital into a symbolic base for its continental campaign.
The Sudanese giants topped their group to secure a favorable draw position, but facing RS Berkane presents a formidable challenge. The Moroccan side is widely respected for its tactical discipline and continental experience, having established itself as a consistent competitor in African competitions over the past decade.
For Rwandan supporters, the quarter-final represents more than a football fixture; it is an opportunity to host another major continental showdown on home soil. The matches are expected to draw significant local and regional attention, reinforcing Kigali’s growing reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
A Blockbuster in North Africa
Elsewhere in the draw, Tunisian champions Espérance Sportive de Tunis will clash with record African champions Al Ahly SC in what many observers describe as the tie of the round.
Few rivalries in African club football carry as much weight as Espérance versus Al Ahly. Both clubs boast rich histories, continental titles, and passionate fan bases. Al Ahly, often regarded as the most successful club in African football history, brings unmatched pedigree to the encounter. Espérance, meanwhile, is renowned for its resilience and ability to perform under pressure on the big stage.
This fixture guarantees a North African showdown steeped in tradition, tactical nuance, and high expectations.
Defending Champions Under Pressure
Reigning champions Pyramids FC have been paired with Morocco’s AS FAR. Pyramids FC, who lifted the trophy last season, face a stern examination against an AS FAR side known for its organization and competitive edge.
As defending champions, Pyramids carry the weight of expectation. Their journey through the group stage demonstrated consistency and attacking strength, but knockout football presents a different psychological challenge. AS FAR’s structured defensive approach could test Pyramids’ creative depth over two legs.
Southern Africa Meets West Africa
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. will take on Mali’s Stade Malien. Sundowns have consistently ranked among the continent’s elite in recent years, combining technical quality with financial stability and tactical innovation.
Stade Malien, however, enters the quarter-finals with momentum and belief. Representing West Africa, the Malian side has proven capable of upsetting more established opponents. The tie reflects the increasing competitiveness of clubs from across the continent, highlighting the geographical diversity now defining African football’s top tier.
Road to the Semi-Finals
The draw also outlined the semi-final bracket, providing clubs and supporters with a clearer picture of the potential path to the final.
The winner between Espérance and Al Ahly will meet the victor of the tie between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien. On the opposite side of the bracket, whoever progresses between Al Hilal and RS Berkane will face the winner of Pyramids FC versus AS FAR.
The first-leg matches are scheduled to be played between March 13 and 15, 2026, with return legs set for March 20 to 22. As always in the CAF Champions League knockout rounds, away goals, tactical discipline, and squad depth will be decisive factors.
Kigali’s Growing Role in African Football
Al Hilal’s continued presence in Rwanda underscores the country’s expanding influence within African sport. Over recent years, Kigali has hosted high-profile continental events in football, basketball, and cycling, positioning itself as a stable and modern venue for international competition.
By welcoming Al Hilal’s home fixtures, Rwanda has provided not only logistical support but also an enthusiastic fan environment. Attendance figures during the group stage reflected strong local engagement, with many Rwandan supporters adopting the Sudanese side as a temporary home team.
The quarter-final tie against RS Berkane is expected to further elevate Kigali’s visibility on the continental stage, with broadcasters across Africa covering the match.
Competitive Balance in the 62nd Edition
Now in its 62nd season, the CAF Champions League continues to evolve in competitiveness and commercial appeal. Clubs from North, West, Southern, and East Africa are all represented in the quarter-finals, illustrating the tournament’s expanding competitive balance.
Financial investment, improved infrastructure, and youth development systems across the continent have raised standards. The presence of multiple former champions alongside ambitious emerging contenders ensures unpredictability in the knockout phase.
The format demands mental resilience and strategic preparation. Two-legged ties often shift on fine margins: a single defensive lapse, a moment of brilliance, or the tactical adjustments made between legs can determine progression.
Anticipation Builds Across the Continent
Supporters across Africa are already marking their calendars for March’s fixtures. The knockout rounds traditionally deliver drama, late goals, and unforgettable moments that define careers and club legacies.
For Al Hilal and RS Berkane, the upcoming duel represents a meeting of ambition and resilience. For Espérance and Al Ahly, it is another chapter in a storied rivalry. For Pyramids, AS FAR, Sundowns, and Stade Malien, it is a step closer to continental glory.
As the road to the final begins to narrow, the 2025/26 CAF Champions League enters its most decisive phase. The quarter-finals promise not only tactical battles but also a celebration of African football’s depth, diversity, and enduring passion.
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